We all know that the working world has undergone rapid changes. It is an entirely different world from 20 years ago, when people craved stability and gave nary a thought to job fulfilment. Technological advances and progress in work culture has transformed the workplace, and along with it, the expectations of a whole new generation of workforce.

Today, with new ways of expression and collaboration, the new generation of workers looks for passion and meaning in their jobs. Indeed, there is a treasured piece of advice, do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.

However, many people are fast discovering that there is a disconnect between their passions and actual work-life. And the struggle is brutal.

But work does not have to be dreary.

Here are three things you can do to keep up with the changes:

1) Ask yourself: What makes you happy?

What is important to you? Is it flexibility? An understanding boss? A work culture that is progressive and collaborative?

Determine what you are passionate about. If you visualize your ideal career, what would you be doing? What would your co-workers be like? What about your ideal work environment?

You might not immediately know what exactly the end goal is, but you need to start somewhere. Plot out the little details as they come to you.

You are the boss of your aspirations.

If you need help figuring out what you want in life, here’s a great article from Forbes that you might find useful!

2) Find a Side Hustle

If you jump headlong into your ideal career immediately, why not start off with a side hustle that is related to the trade? For example, if you dream of being a photographer, lease your services on the weekends!

There are many websites where you can market your hustle, like Carousell or Gumtree ads. You could even capitalize on the power of your social connections and do the usual like and share!

The key is to build your portfolio, experience, and network, and before long your side hustle might translate into your dream career!

Don’t be afraid of how tiny your baby steps may seem. After all, everyone starts somewhere.

If you need more convincing, take a look at this home-based facial run by Nareeza, a speech and drama teacher, The Facial Canvas. Her services are so sought after that it takes three months to make an appointment, and she is looking to do it full time.

If Nareeza can do it, so can you!

3) Expand Your Network

Making connections and building relationships is important, and empowering. Meeting the right people can open many doors, and it could be the key to lifting you out of the passionless job, and into a meaningful career. Even if not, we all need some help along the way.

“Once you’ve identified people who can be both mentors and sponsors, you need to make contact. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to a potential ally at an event or in the elevator and say you admire her work. If the person is spearheading a committee or drive, volunteer to be on it. You can also request an informational interview. You could say something such as “I’ve heard so much about your work [or latest venture] and would love to know more about it.”

Where and how, you ask?

Understandably, it is a tough nut to physically attend SDU-esque networking events. But fear not. The Internet to the rescue!

Make use of online business networking platforms like Wantedly to network with other professionals and companies from the comfort of your home. You can build your profile based on your interests, passion, and career goals. Connect with other like-minded individuals, explore companies and discover their culture, attend parties, chats, hackathons, and other fun events.